Tottenham Hotspur comfortably triumphed at Old Trafford, capitalizing on a dismal performance from Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United, who were repeatedly exposed by the visitors.
Micky van de Ven ignited a commanding display from Spurs with a remarkable assist, sprinting from his own half to set up an easy goal for Brennan Johnson, who later struck the post. Just before half-time, Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a foul on James Maddison. The United captain stumbled while approaching the Spurs midfielder and then carelessly kicked at Maddison’s leg, resulting in his dismissal.
United’s situation worsened shortly after the second half began, as the outstanding Dejan Kulusevski extended the lead to 2-0, followed by Dominic Solanke sealing a 3-0 victory.
Jay Harris, Charlotte Harpur, and Ahmed Walid analyze the events at Old Trafford.
What’s Next for Ten Hag?
Following the 1-1 draw with Twente midweek, Ten Hag mentioned the need for serious self-reflection. After tonight’s performance, that introspection may need to be even more profound. The outlook appears grim.
The outcome is troubling — United currently occupies 12th place in the Premier League standings with seven points, situated as close to the relegation zone as to the European spots — but their overall performance raises even greater concerns. On Sky Sports, former United player Gary Neville described the display as “disgusting.”
Statistically, Spurs outperformed them across the board, as illustrated in the graphic below.
The first half represented one of United’s worst showings under Ten Hag. They appeared disconnected, chaotic, and uninspired. The pressure is increasing. The new owners have supported Ten Hag by hiring staff and acquiring players, yet neither he nor the club has produced the desired results.
As Solanke scored Spurs’ third goal, United fans began to leave Old Trafford in droves, and the pouring rain mirrored the gloomy atmosphere.
The United hierarchy watch on at Old Trafford (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The challenges continue with Porto, their most formidable opponent on paper, as they face off away in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a trip to Villa Park.
on Sunday.
Charlotte Harpur
Van de Ven Does It Again
For the second time this season, Micky van de Ven embarked on a dynamic run down the pitch, turning an opportunity into a goal for Tottenham from seemingly nothing. While his assist to Son Heung-min against Everton was noteworthy, on Sunday, he also thwarted a counter-attack from United.
The sequence began with Destiny Udogie stepping up to challenge Alejandro Garnacho, but the loose ball fell directly to Marcus Rashford. Despite having a slight advantage, Rashford found himself on the receiving end of a swift tackle from Van de Ven, who won possession.
With ample space ahead and no defenders gaining ground, he surged forward. Last season, Van de Ven clocked the fastest sprint speed in the Premier League, and once he’s in full stride, catching him becomes nearly impossible.
As he approached the penalty area, United’s defenders appeared hesitant to engage him, seemingly intimidated by the prospect of rebounding off his powerful frame.
Van de Ven charged past Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt…
… and delivered a precise cross into the box.
His momentum carried him into the advertising boards. Once he regained his balance and looked up, he saw Johnson celebrating his goal, marking a score for the fourth consecutive game.
Throughout the play, Van de Ven touched the ball eight times, and with his ninth touch, he set up Johnson for the goal. It was a moment of brilliance from a defender who continues to enhance his game.
Jay Harris
Was Fernandes’ Red Card Harsh?
It was an
The opening 40 minutes were disastrous for Ten Hag, and matters worsened when Fernandes, the captain of United, received a straight red card.
As Maddison attempted to speed past Fernandes while controlling the ball with the outside of his right foot, Fernandes slipped, causing his left leg to go underneath him.
He committed to the tackle despite being late, displaying the studs of his right boot, which caught Maddison’s shin just below the knee.
Initially, Fernandes expressed regret, but referee Chris Kavanagh was unyielding. The contact appeared minimal, with his studs merely brushing against the opponent. It felt like a harsh decision for a red card.
The Portugal international slowly walked towards the tunnel, shaking his head. After the match, he told Sky Sports that he believed the challenge on Maddison constituted a foul, but not a red card. “Even James Maddison, after getting up, said, ‘It’s not a red card’,” Fernandes remarked.
“If this is a red card, we need to reevaluate many other incidents,” he added. “Although it is a foul, the contact is minimal. If the referee wishes to give me a yellow, I can accept that. I just don’t comprehend why VAR didn’t ask him to review it.” Ten Hag also voiced to Sky Sports that he didn’t consider it a red card.
As Fernandes exited, Kobbie Mainoo was receiving treatment, leaving United momentarily down to nine men as they prepared to substitute Mason Mount.
At half-time, Ten Hag introduced Casemiro and Ugarte to the midfield and substituted Joshua Zirkzee to adopt a 4-2-3 formation. With Mount on the right, Alejandro Garnacho shifted to the left, and Rashford led the attack. United, despite being a man short, maintained their attacking style but faced an uphill struggle when they conceded a second goal shortly thereafter.
Charlotte Harpur
How essential is Kulusevski?
It’s amusing to reflect on how Kulusevski has primarily played on the right wing since joining Tottenham on an initial 18-month loan from Juventus in January 2022. Postecoglou began experimenting with Kulusevski in a central midfield role last year, and this season, he has fully embraced that position.
The Swedish international is a graceful dribbler, seamlessly maneuvering past defenders, and he complements that ability with significant diligence when out of possession. In the first half against United, he engineered a scoring chance for Maddison with a deft flick. Each time Ugarte received the ball, Kulusevski was quick to pressure him in an attempt to regain possession. His influence across the pitch is evident in the distribution of his passes (below).
He set up two excellent opportunities for Timo Werner with perfectly timed through balls, yet his teammate failed to capitalize, shooting directly at Andre Onana on both occasions.
Kulusevski has emerged as Tottenham’s standout player this season, netting their second goal at Old Trafford.
The United midfield and defense struggled to handle Kulusevski, leading to Ugarte receiving a yellow card in the second half for a foul on him. Kulusevski’s technical prowess played a vital role in securing all three points for Tottenham. His partnership with Maddison harbors the potential to evolve into one of the finest in the league.
Jay Harris
What is causing problems for United in defensive transitions?
Last season, Ten Hag advocated for a more balanced tactic, emphasizing the importance of quick attacks upon regaining possession while also knowing when to manage the tempo of the game. Unfortunately, the results on the pitch did not reflect this aim.
This season, United continues to face challenges during defensive transitions. Their commitment to swift attacks leaves defenders and midfielders exposed, requiring them to cover extensive areas whenever the opposition regains possession.
This reckless style, applied independent of circumstances, has resulted in United’s defence and midfield often being out of position, hindering effective counter-pressing when they lose the ball. They find themselves playing catch-up due to this attack-first mentality.
Against Tottenham, this vulnerability was evident on several occasions when United struggled to defend during transitions. Johnson scored the first goal following a swift counter-attack, after Van de Ven won the ball in his half and charged through United’s defense to assist the Wales forward. They were again vulnerable, conceding a second goal from Kulusevski.
The persistent inability to manage transitions has been a recurring issue in United’s performance since last season began.
Ahmed Walid
What insights did Erik Ten Hag provide?
In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag remarked: “It was evident that we began the match poorly. Conceding a goal so early, in the third minute, especially from a counter-attack where one of our center-backs was crossing the entire pitch to tap in at the back post, was part of our game plan. We should have been better at protecting that area; we were aware of their strengths.
“We appeared stressed throughout the match, failing to find alternatives during the switches, unable to retain possession, and lacking the necessary aggression in third-man actions. We didn’t execute our press well; the first 30 minutes were subpar, yet we remained in the game and created chances, always capable of making a comeback.”
GO DEEPER
Ten Hag says Man Utd ‘need more time’ after Spurs defeat
When questioned about how the team could bounce back, he stated: “There is always the next game, a new day. Learning as a team takes time; defenders shouldn’t be able to dribble across the entire pitch without being challenged. This is definitely something we need to address.”
When asked if the owners were considering his future, Ten Hag replied: “No, that’s not on my mind. We made this decision collectively to stay together as a leadership and ownership group during the summer. After a thorough review, we agreed on what we needed to enhance as an organization and how to build the squad.”
“All choices are made collectively, with an understanding that it will require time, especially considering how the transfer window went, with some players, like Ugarte, joining late. We need to integrate him into the organization, especially with ongoing injuries. Time is essential, and we are all aligned—ownership, the leadership group, staff, and players alike.”
What did Ange Postecoglou say?
Postecoglou shared with BBC Radio 5 Live: “We played really well. Clearly, it’s a fantastic victory. I felt that we executed our style of play with great aggression. That encapsulates everything we aim to achieve. I anticipated the goals would come. We likely should have scored a couple more.”
When questioned about the red card, he remarked: “We were firmly in control. Honestly, United still posed a similar threat during transitions—I don’t believe it altered the outcome. We were well in command by that point.”
What’s next for Man Utd?
Thursday, October 3: Porto (A), Europa League, 8pm BST, 3pm ET
What’s next for Spurs?
Thursday, October 3: Ferencvaros (A), Europa League, 5.45pm BST, 12.45pm ET
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(Top photos: Getty Images)
Tottenham Dominates Manchester United at Old Trafford: A Performance That Raises Questions for Erik Ten Hag
The Match Overview
Tottenham Hotspur delivered a stunning performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford, showcasing their tactical prowess and individual brilliance. The match ended with a resounding scoreline that underscored Tottenham’s superiority on the day. As Spurs left the pitch victorious, questions began to swirl around Erik Ten Hag’s managerial strategies and the future of Manchester United’s season.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Final Score: Tottenham 3 – 1 Manchester United
- Goals:
- Harry Kane (25′)
- Son Heung-min (45+2′)
- Bruno Fernandes (60′, penalty)
- James Maddison (75′)
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
Tottenham’s Tactical Masterclass
Tottenham showcased an impressive array of tactics that left Manchester United struggling to cope. Here are some key elements of their performance:
1. High Pressing Game
The Spurs employed a relentless pressing strategy, forcing United into mistakes. Their forwards, especially Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski, consistently pressured the United defense, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas.
2. Fluid Midfield Dynamics
The midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and James Maddison controlled the tempo of the game. Their ability to transition from defense to attack quickly allowed Tottenham to create numerous scoring opportunities.
3. Clinical Finishing
Tottenham’s forwards displayed exceptional finishing capabilities. The combination of Harry Kane’s experience and Son’s pace proved too much for United’s backline, resulting in three well-crafted goals.
Manchester United’s Struggles
While Tottenham flourished, Manchester United appeared disjointed and lacked cohesion. Several factors contributed to their underwhelming performance:
1. Defensive Frailties
United’s defense was exposed multiple times during the match. Mistakes from center-backs Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane allowed Spurs to capitalize, leading to crucial goals.
2. Midfield Disconnection
The midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen struggled to assert control. Their inability to link up effectively with the forwards hindered United’s attacking threat.
3. Tactical Missteps by Erik Ten Hag
Erik Ten Hag’s choices raised eyebrows, particularly his substitutions. The late introduction of attacking players failed to make the desired impact, leaving fans questioning his game management.
Player Performances That Stood Out
Both teams featured standout players whose performances influenced the outcome. Here’s a closer look:
Tottenham Hotspur
| Player | Performance Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Kane | 9.0 | 1 Goal, 1 Assist |
| Son Heung-min | 8.5 | 1 Goal, Constant Threat |
| James Maddison | 8.0 | 1 Goal, Creative Playmaking |
Manchester United
| Player | Performance Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 7.5 | 1 Penalty Goal, Leadership |
| Casemiro | 6.5 | Defensive Errors |
| Lisandro Martínez | 6.0 | Frequent Mistakes |
What’s Next for Erik Ten Hag?
The defeat raised significant questions about Erik Ten Hag’s future and tactical approach. Here are some considerations for the United manager:
1. Reassessing Tactics
Ten Hag may need to rethink his tactical setup. A more pragmatic approach that emphasizes defensive solidity could be essential in regaining confidence and stability.
2. Player Selection and Formation
The current squad may benefit from a change in formation. Exploring a three-man defense could provide added security at the back while allowing full-backs to push forward.
3. Building Team Chemistry
Developing a cohesive playing style requires time and patience. Ten Hag must focus on building relationships between players, particularly in midfield and attack.
Fan Reactions and Club Atmosphere
Following the defeat, fan reactions ranged from disappointment to frustration. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions surrounding the performance and future of the team. Many fans called for urgent changes, while others remained hopeful that Ten Hag could turn things around.
Key Fan Sentiments
- “We need more consistency!”
- “Tactical changes are a must!”
- “Let’s support the manager in tough times!”
Upcoming Matches and Opportunities for Redemption
Manchester United’s fixtures following this defeat will be crucial in determining their trajectory. The upcoming matches against mid-table teams present an opportunity to regain form and confidence.
Next Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 7 | Brentford | Away |
| October 21 | Sheffield United | Home |
| October 28 | Burnley | Away |
Conclusion
Tottenham’s dominance over Manchester United at Old Trafford has sparked serious discussions about the future of Erik Ten Hag and the overall direction of the club. As the season progresses, both teams will need to reassess their strategies to ensure they meet their respective goals. The footballing landscape is constantly evolving, and adaptability will be key for success in the coming weeks.
By addressing the issues laid bare in this match, Manchester United can aim to reclaim their status among the elite in English football. The path forward may be challenging, but with the right adjustments, there’s still time to turn the season around.
